Acupressure in Pruritus for Atopic Dermatitis

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Acupressure in Relieving Pruritus Related to Atopic Dermatitis

The purpose of this study is to see if acupressure will be effective at reducing itch in people with atopic dermatitis (AD).

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is recognized as a major and common problem worldwide. In the United States, AD and related eczematous symptoms affect 17% of the population; 1 in 10 individuals report having experienced symptoms causing quality of life (QOL) distress, including itching/scratching, red/inflamed rash, excessive dryness/scaling, and/or symptoms lasting ≥ 14 days. Two-thirds of these subjects noted at least moderate to severe symptoms, with itch being the most disturbing. Effective treatment of AD and of pruritus (itching) are interconnected. Treating AD will decrease the stimulus for the itch, whereas treating pruritus will decrease the feedback cycle brought on when a patient scratches the skin continually. Effective medications for AD and related symptoms include topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors. Oftentimes, these remedies are insufficient at treating the itch component of the disease. There is demand for alternative, complementary treatments for AD-related pruritus.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of AD by dermatologist
• Not currently using acupressure or acupuncture for treatment of AD
• Able to read, write, and understand study materials
• Age 18 or older

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unable to physically perform acupressure technique
• Significant comorbidities causing itch such as chronic urticaria, renal failure, notalgia paresthetica, and tinea